ABOUT:

English is vital for communicating with others in school and in the wider world, and is fundamental to learning in all aspects of school life. The English department at Fred Longworth is staffed by 10 specialist teachers who teach in a suite of rooms on the English block.  Our aim is to provide pupils with access to excellent teaching and engaging, purposeful learning that will enable them to make good progress throughout Key Stages 3 and 4.

In studying English, pupils develop skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing that they will draw upon for the rest of their

lives. In the English classroom pupils make use of a wide range of techniques to express themselves effectively in a variety of situations.

We strive to make learning enjoyable, motivating and challenging.  Each of our classrooms is equipped with an interactive whiteboard and the staff work collaboratively in creating and sharing innovative teaching materials to engage pupils in lessons.  We are a well resourced department and have access to our own suite of computers on the block.

Key Stage 3

Our key stage 3 curriculum maps have recently been updated, in line with the changes to the National Curriculum introduced in September 2008. Students in Y7, 8 and 9 receive 3 lessons a week and are encouraged to be actively involved in their own learning. The assessment focuses (AFs) for English are displayed in each classroom and are used to assess Students’ strengths and weaknesses.

Both staff and students also use the different AFs when it comes to target setting.

Each year is organised into a series of core units that pupils are assessed on throughout the year. Students’ progress is monitored throughout the year by staff and work is differentiated to enable each student to reach their full potential.

For further information on the English AFs and the criteria for Level 2 – 8 in Reading and Writing click here.

Key Stage 4

In Y10 and 11 students receive 4 lessons a week and are all entered for two separate GCSEs: English Language and English Literature. We follow the AQA syllabus.

Students are expected to complete their coursework folder by the end of Y10. This folder consists of 5 pieces of work:

• Media (Lang)
• Original Writing (Lang)
• Prose Study (Lang/Lit)
• Shakespeare (Lang/Lit)
• Post 1914 Drama (Lit)

English Language is 60% examination whilst English Literature is 70% examination. Completing coursework folders at the end of Y10 enables students to focus on exam preparation in Y11.

STAFF:

Mr J. Keery
Head of Faculty

Mrs C. Rimmer
Head of Key Stage 4, English AST

Miss S. Lewis
Head of Key Stage 3

Mrs K. Doherty
Progression Manager

Mrs A. Catterall

Mr J. Harwood

Mrs J. Morris

Mrs E. Prescott

Mrs K. Thomson

Mrs J. Waterworth

QUALIFICATIONS:

• GCSE English Language (AQA)
• GCSE English Literature (AQA)
• GCSE Media Studies (OCR)

WHERE WILL THIS SUBJECT TAKE ME?

FE/HE courses and employers regard English as a vital qualification and it is therefore an important addition to your CV wherever you want to go next. Increasing your ability and confidence with English will also help you to read, write and communicate effectively in other subject areas too.